Singing

What is it in singing that makes for high quality, deeply moving performances? Quality and depth, vocal stability, and stamina all depend on firm foundations being laid at the outset of a singer's development. The key to truly effective procedures of serious voice training and the best model of singers' education is the recognition and understanding of the unique nature of the singing instrument. Compared with other musicians, a singer begins serious study relatively late. Even at institutions of higher education, a singer begins work with only a partially formed instrument - his or her voice. It is development of this most personal and sensitive of instruments and how this affects performance that forms the focus of Peter T. Harrison's new book. To date, no science or methodology has been able to prevent a growing existential crisis regarding what the author perceives to be declining standards and values in both the training and performance of singers. Acknowledging that the primary responsibility for setting standards and effective curricula lies with the musical institutions, Harrison argues that what constitutes excellence in singing, and what is required to achieve it, are in urgent need of clarification. He proposes a progressive training model that arises logically from holistic principles. Developing his themes from The Human Nature of the Singing Voice, in which Harrison explored a holistic basis for teaching and learning, Singing is a challenging, practical, and timely book, written for all those who have responsibility for singers' voices, not least the singers themselves. In so doing, Peter T. Harrison addresses substantial ethical issues. *** "...there is much wisdom in Harrison's entreaty to voice instructors and institutions to address student-performers as complicated, multifaceted individuals. Recommended." - Choice, Vol. 52, No. 4, December 2014~